Oven Dried Mangos
Oven Dried Mangos Recipe - Vegetarian Food from India
Introduction
Oven dried mangos are a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed on their own or added to various dishes for a burst of tropical flavor. This recipe is a great way to preserve the sweetness of fresh mangos and enjoy them all year round.
History
Drying fruit has been a method of food preservation for centuries, allowing people to enjoy the flavors of their favorite fruits even when they are out of season. Oven dried mangos are a popular snack in many tropical regions, where mangos are abundant and enjoyed for their sweet and tangy taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3 cups of water
- 2 tbsp of lime juice
- 2 lb (907 g) of mangos, sliced into 0.25-inch slices
How to prepare
- Mix 1 cup of water, 0.25 cup of lime juice, and 0.5 cup of sugar. Heat the mixture until it boils. Add mango slices to the syrup and let them soak for 20 minutes. Drain the fruit and arrange it in a single layer on a rack in the oven at 130°F for 8 hours, or until the mangoes become leathery but still flexible. Pack the dried mangoes in airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator or freezer for longer shelf life.
Variations
- Add a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the dried mangos for a decadent treat.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to slice the mangos evenly to ensure they dry out at the same rate.
- Check the mango slices periodically while they are drying in the oven to prevent them from becoming too crispy.
- Store the dried mangos in airtight containers to maintain their freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy oven dried mangos as a snack on their own, or add them to granola, yogurt, or salads for a burst of tropical flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Oven drying is a simple and effective way to preserve the sweetness of mangos while intensifying their flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use honey or agave nectar instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
Make Ahead Tips
Oven dried mangos can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange the dried mango slices on a platter and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve oven dried mangos with a glass of sparkling water or a tropical fruit smoothie for a refreshing snack.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store the dried mangos in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply let them come to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of oven dried mangos contains approximately 100 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of oven dried mangos contains approximately 25g of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of oven dried mangos contains negligible amounts of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of oven dried mangos contains approximately 1g of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Mangos are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber.
Alergens
This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.
Summary
Oven dried mangos are a low-fat, low-calorie snack that is rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a sweet treat.
Summary
Oven dried mangos are a delicious and healthy snack that can be enjoyed on their own or added to various dishes for a burst of tropical flavor. With their sweet and tangy taste, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a hot summer day, and my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins had invited me over for a cup of tea. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a tray of beautifully golden and chewy slices of oven-dried mango.
I had never seen anything like it before. Mrs. Jenkins explained to me that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had lived in the Caribbean and had passed down the tradition of drying fruits as a way to preserve them for the long winter months.
I was fascinated by the idea of oven-drying mangoes, and Mrs. Jenkins kindly offered to share her recipe with me. She handed me a piece of the dried mango to try, and I was instantly hooked. The sweet and tangy flavor was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.
After thanking Mrs. Jenkins for her generosity, I hurried home to gather the ingredients I would need to make my own batch of oven-dried mangoes. I carefully sliced the ripe mangoes into thin strips and placed them on a baking tray, sprinkling them with a bit of sugar and a pinch of salt.
As I waited for the mangoes to dry in the oven, the sweet aroma filled my kitchen, reminding me of the tropical paradise that Mrs. Jenkins had described. When the mangoes were finally done, I eagerly tried a piece and was delighted by the chewy texture and intense flavor.
I knew that I had stumbled upon a new favorite recipe, one that I would cherish and pass down to my own grandchildren one day. I made sure to write down the recipe in my old recipe book, alongside all the other treasured dishes that I had collected over the years.
Over time, I perfected the recipe for oven-dried mangoes, experimenting with different spices and flavorings to create unique variations. I shared my creations with friends and family, who all raved about the delicious and exotic treat.
As the years went by, I continued to make oven-dried mangoes for special occasions and gatherings. It became a signature dish of mine, one that everyone looked forward to whenever they came to visit.
I never forgot the day that Mrs. Jenkins had introduced me to the wonderful world of oven-dried mangoes. Her generosity and wisdom had inspired me to try new things and embrace new flavors, and for that, I would always be grateful.
Now, as I sit in my own cozy kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of oven-dried mangoes wafting from the oven, I can't help but smile at the memories of that fateful day. Mrs. Jenkins may no longer be with us, but her legacy lives on in every sweet and chewy bite of oven-dried mango that I make.
And as I take a moment to savor the fruit of my labor, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all the recipes and traditions that have been passed down to me over the years. Each one has played a part in shaping me into the cook and person that I am today, and for that, I am truly blessed.